Chicago July 29, 2023: In a burst of vibrant colors, infectious rhythms, and jubilant celebrations, the much-awaited GhanaFest was held from 11 am to 10 pm in Washington Park. The annual extravaganza, which attracts thousands of locals and visitors from many different American States kicked off brilliantly and held its promise to be a day-long celebration of Ghana’s rich culture, heritage, and traditions.
GhanaFest serves as a unifying force, bringing together diverse communities from across the country to revel in the beauty of their shared cultural heritage. People from different ethnic backgrounds, tribes, and regions gather in one place to showcase their unique traditions, food, dance, music, and craftsmanship.
We bring to our worldwide viewers some of the thilling images below:
Chicago, July 30, 2023: The introduction of Soccer tournament into the Ghanafest program last year attracted a larger audience and teams this year. The Ghana Black Stars beat the United Stars of Liberia 3-2 in a two-team duel to win last year’s maiden tournament. It was a thrilling match. The teams that joined Ghana and Liberia this year are the Green Eagles of Nigeria and the Senegalese Lions of Teranga. The players are all Chicago based, representing their countries of origin. Attendance was about 200 spectators.
Ghana Black Stars , Chicago.
The four-team tournament started a week earlier, with Ghana eliminating Senegal’s Lions of Teranga by an emphatic three goals to nil. The Liberian United Star’s sent Nigeria’s Green Eagles home with a 3-1 victory.
As a result, the stage was set for the Ghanaians to sort it out with last year’s finalists, the Lone Stars.
The Liberians started the game with revenge on their minds. They commenced on a fast note, unsettling the Black Stars throughout the first half of the match. Ghana could only manage a few breakthroughs as the Liberians piled pressure after pressure. One such breakthrough by the Ghanaians resulted in a free kick about 60 yards from goal. It led to the only goal in the 31st minute. Yaw Dolley sent a tailored kick that was skillfully reconnected beyond the reach of the United Stars goalie by Issakka Adebayo.
The second half was a mirror image of the first. The United Stars took control of the game from start to finish. The Black Stars were a shade of their dazzling form a year ago.
The man of the match, Hassan Djibril of the Black Stars, saved two-goal bound shots after his Goalkeeper was beaten entirely on both occasions.
Ghana’s Issakka Adebayo won the Goal King title, while his goalie, Daniel Asare, won the Goalkeeper of the Tournament. The skipper of the Ghana Black Stars, Yaw Amofa Peprah, lifted the coveted cup amidst jubilation by Ghanaian players and supporters.
Chicago July 29, 2023: In a burst of vibrant colors, infectious rhythms, and jubilant celebrations, the much-awaited GhanaFest was held from 11 am to 10 pm in Washington Park. The annual extravaganza, which attracts thousands of locals and visitors from many different American States kicked off brilliantly and held its promise to be a day-long celebration of Ghana’s rich culture, heritage, and traditions.
Mr. James Nanor, who has been attending Ghanafest for the past 15 years except during the COVID-19 Pandemic, adjudged this GhanaFest by the new Kassim Abubakari regime as one of the best organized in recent memory.
GhanaFest serves as a unifying force, bringing together diverse communities from across the country to revel in the beauty of their shared cultural heritage. People from different ethnic backgrounds, tribes, and regions gather in one place to showcase their unique traditions, food, dance, music, and craftsmanship.
The festival had captivating dancing and parades in the park, led by costumed performers adorned with traditional Ghanaian attire. Dancers, musicians, and artists representing various tribes and regions added to the spectacle, providing onlookers with a visual feast of Ghana’s cultural diversity.
The president of the Ghana National Council, the main sponsor, and organizer of GhanaFest, Mr. Kassim Abubakar, addressed the festival with a speech thanking all patrons, sponsors, and vendors for their support and asking the Ghanaian Community to continue being united and to promote growth and development for the common good.
Mr. Abubakar spoke about the long-awaited Ghana House, which is a project the Council has in the pipeline. He ended the speech “urging all community members to avoid taking shortcuts to achieve success or the American Dream due to reports of arrest and incarcerations of some Ghanaians engaging in fraudulent activities.”
Mr. Kassim Abubakari presented an award to the referee who officiated the Ghana Black Stars ( Chicago) and Liberia Lone Stars ( Chicago) match.
After the Gospel hour, opening prayers, singing of the national anthems of the USA and Ghana, and the traditional sprinkling of Kpoikpoi, there was a cultural performance by the Ewe Association of Chicago in which its members ushered into office a newly elected Queenmother and two sub-Queens, two months after voting overwhelmingly to confirm them. At a short ceremony, there was pouring of libation, holy men delivered invocations, and all the newly elected Queens swore allegiance to uphold the Constitution of the Ewe Association and to serve diligently. The new Queenmother will go by the Royal name, Mama Nunyati I (Deborah Ameyedowo). Her right and left-hand Queenmothers are Mama Sedudzi I(Empress Mawusi Kudjawu) and Mama Semekor I (Rita Fiadzoe-Tawiah), respectively.
“It’s an honor to be chosen Queenmother of our community and lots of responsibility,” Mama Nunyati said. Her predecessor Mama Awushie Adjaho I, expressed she hopes the new Queenmother can continue to “bring our Women together and make sure there’s unity in our Association.”
Mama Nunyati I ( Deborah A. Sackor) The New Queenmother of the Ewe Association of Metropolitan Chicago.Mama Sedudzi I ( Empress Mawusi ) Dusime Mama of the Ewe Association of Metropolitan Chicago.Mama Semekor I ( Rita Fiadzoe-Tawiah) Miame Mama of the Ewe Association of Metropolitan Chicago.
The affiliate organizations who also sponsored GhanaFest treated visitors to an array of traditional performances, parades, and dances. Energetic Ghanaian music reverberated through the air, captivating audiences of all ages; each performance brought an authentic glimpse into Ghana’s history and way of life. The best-organized and best-dressed Royal Court was Okuapeman Fekuw.
One of the highlights of the Ghana Festival is its delectable array of traditional cuisine. Food stalls lined the festival grounds, offering a wide range of mouthwatering dishes. Visitors had the chance to savor local delicacies such as banku, jollof rice, fufu, and kelewele, among other delights. The aromas wafting through the air tempted even the most discerning taste buds, making it an unforgettable culinary experience.
Local, Ghanaian and African artisans showcased their exquisite craftsmanship at the festival’s art and craft exhibitions. Visitors were able to witness African-themed masterpieces, including hand-woven Kente cloth, intricately carved wooden sculptures, and vibrant beadwork. The exhibitions celebrated the artisans’ creativity and allowed them to earn recognition and support for their craft.
Ghana Fest has become an essential platform for promoting business in Ghana. Real Estate companies selling luxury condos and houses were present, along with companies offering services such as shipping and prepaid wireless and electricity. This influx of Ghanaian businesses fosters entrepreneurship, cultural exchange and strengthens global bonds.
Latifah Fuseini
Latifah Fuseini, a Moshie Ghanaian, who started coming to Ghanafest when she immigrated to Chicago 10 years ago, has been selling beads at the Fest for the last two years. “I will never miss GhanaFest. I come here for the culture. It feels like being home today.”
The best dressed and well organized Royal court @Ghanafest 2023!…. Okuapeman Fekuw
With an attendance of approximately 5000 people, the Firehouse Community Arts Center was one of the approximately thirty vendors present. Based in the North Lawndale neighborhood, their mission is to stop violence through arts and faith. “We are planning to take 20 to 30 young people, ages 16-25, to Ghana this fall. We want them to understand who they are and get a taste of the food I had in Ghana,” said Terrance Foster, supervisor and youth mentor.
As the sun set at the GhanaFest, we saw the performance of Ashanti rapper Sarkodie, who is one of Africa’s fastest rappers and the winner of BET’s Best International Flow Artist at the 2019 BET Hip Hop Awards and the Vodafone Ghana Music Award for “Artiste of the Decade.” The crowd danced happily to some of his famous rap songs in his native Twi and English.
Sarkodie on stage at Ghanafest 2023The crowd…..
The GhanaFest in Chicago stands as a symbol of pride for Ghanaians in the U.S. and is a shining example of how cultural diversity can be a powerful tool in bringing people together. As the last notes of modern Ghanaian rap music faded away and the last taste of local delicacies lingered on visitors’ palates, the spirit of unity and celebration will continue to resonate in the hearts of all who were fortunate enough to be part of this extraordinary event.
By Jorge L. Carbajosa and Reuben Hadzide for www.sankofaoline.com
Nana Kwame Bayin OkutseakuVIII, Chief of Fante Benevolent Society.Manye Amachoe Ablade I, (Mrs. Juliet Owusu) Chicago GaDangme Manye Mr. Francis Woyome, Elder, Ewe Association of Metropolitan Chicago.From Lt. Mama Sedudzi I ( Dusime Mama), Mama Nunyati I, Queenmother Ewe Association and Mama Semekor I (Miame Mama)The ClergyThe Black Stars of Chicago pose to the camerasNana Afua Dansoaa I, Queenmother, Fante Benevolent Society.Mion Suhudoo Naa Dr. Habiba Seidu-Fuseini, Queenmother of Ghana Northern Union.
Ghana National Council of Chicago and its Affiliates are excited to bring to Chicagoland our most anticipated cultural flagship event, the 35th Annual GhanaFest®️. The theme is -“Forward Together”!
The family-friendly flagship event is the largest and most spectacular summer showcase of Ghanaian cultural music, art, fashion, food, and performances in the Ghanaian immigrant communities in the diasporas since 1988.
Come and celebrate our Ghanaian rich culture and patronize the following at your doorstep in Chicago: -Ghana Village – (vendors in hair, beauty, fashion, art, health, business, real estate & more) -Taste of Ghana-(various food, drinks, & dessert vendors) -Parade of Chiefs & Queen mothers -Cultural Performances -Special Musical Talents will be on stage -Live Band w/ Live Djs -Children’s Park-(bouncy house, games, & prizes) -Youth Activities- (dance competition, game show) -Dance Party and many more .
